Posts for category: DIETING

Did you know that there are certain foods that you can eat which help to clean your teeth? They are known as "detergent foods." In dentistry, we look at the impact of food in three ways: the kind of food, how often it is eaten, and when it is eaten. Detergent foods should be the last piece of food you consume during a meal for the best results. Think of them as the closest you can get to brushing your teeth.

A healthy diet is important for oral health as well as overall health, but here are some particular foods that can help clean your teeth and mouth:

Carrots

Apples

Celery Sticks

Popcorn

Cucumbers

Pears

Lettuce

Cheese

As you can see, detergent foods are usually firm and crisp. They act like scrubbers on and around your teeth and gums. They also bring your mouth's pH back to 7.0, which is optimal. Always remember, these foods are not a replacement for brushing and flossing. You still need good dental hygiene regardless of what you are eating!

Everyone realizes that pop and sugary drinks like the popular coffee shop fraps would not make the top recommended drinks to prevent tooth decay. However, there doesn't seem to be much thought taken to the effects of dieting or even your regular diet on your teeth. While most people focus on healthy eating habits in order to reduce their waistline, the same dietary choices can also help to ensure that your teeth stay strong and cavity-free as well.

Without a detailed and complicated lesson in microbiolgy, let's first consider the basics of how your mouth functions. Harmful bacteria form a plaque, an invisible film coating your teeth, which converts foods, especially sugary ones, into acid that dissolves your enamel. On the other hand, your God-given saliva helps to dilute the bacterial acids. The minerals contained in your saliva also help to repair the surface damage. Your diet can play a very important role in managing this delicate balance of bacterial damage and remineralization of the enamel.

Making wise dietary choices like milk, cheese, nuts, chicken and apples, while avoiding cookies, cakes, and pop can keep your teeth healthy and strong! If you do occasionally choose food items that can potenially weaken your enamel, it is now recommended to immediately and vigorously, rinse your mouth with plain water after consuming these items in order to dilute the acid concentration that is in contact with the enamel surfaces. Waiting to brush for about 20 minutes will allow the pH of your mouth to rebound back to its normal level.

If you have any further questions about the important Dental Connection of your diet and tooth decay, or are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!